How to spot spam

Spam emails may feature some of the following warning signs:

You don’t know the sender.

The email includes misspellings designed to fool spam filters, such as ‘p0rn’ spelt with a zero.

The email makes an offer that seems too good to be true.

The subject line and contents of the email do not match.

The email makes a pressing offer with an urgent end date. For example: ‘Buy today and get 50% off.’

The email asks you to forward an email to multiple people and may offer you money for doing so.

The email comes with a virus warning.

The email includes attachments such as an EXE file. EXE files are executable files that run programs. Although not all attachments contain viruses, if the email comes with a virus, it will appear in an attached file. Before you open any file attachments, make sure the file is coming from a trusted source. If in doubt, scan it with up to date antivirus software.

Be wary about clicking on an email attachment as it could release a virus that scans your computer for personal information and sends out spam email to people in your address book.

You may even get a phone call from someone claiming to be from a well-known software company like Microsoft. The person calling will tell you that there’s a problem with your computer and that they need to get access to it. This is intended to include access to your personal details. Legitimate IT companies never contact customers in this way. If you receive a scam call, hang up immediately.

Spam or junk email may contain viruses and spyware and can be a vehicle for online fraud, such as phishing. Unwanted email may contain offensive images and clutters the inbox. Never reply to a spam email as this would confirm to the spammers that your email address is active.

Activity 5.1: How to spot a scam

Timing: Allow about 5 minutes

Take a look at this visual guide from DigitalLearn.org on recognising scams [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .

Make notes in the space below about some of the signs to watch out for.

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Discussion

Here are some questions that you should ask yourself:

  • Can you tell who the email is from?

  • Have you heard of the person or organisation?

  • Does the email look professional?

  • Are they asking for your money or information?

  • Do they claim they can fix your computer?

  • Are they trying to rush you into a quick action?

  • Is it too good to be true?

How do spammers obtain your email address?

5.2 Cyber security and recognising scams